Kieselstein Cord Please?

Alice & Chains Jewelry Blog

| Jewelry with a story |

The statement necklaces of Alice & Chains Jewelry are larger than life, generally heavy, and truly evoke the meaning of one-of-a-kind. These necklaces are often born from an object I discover at some sort of sale, making the necklace impossible to replicate because their inspiration comes in the source of a single piece I discover. This is the case with the (pictured) alligator necklace. It was 2012 and I happened to linger over a garage sale in Williamsburg, rummaging with blackened fingers through boxes of broken belts, lost earrings, and old parts of who knows what when my fingers ran across the bumpy skin of the Gator. Love at first sight, he was mine, and destined to adorn a neck.

Fast-forward to 2017 - that necklace was sold when I first opened my studio/boutique in Irvington, NY back in 2015 (since have moved to fabulous Dobbs Ferry). I have not seen or heard of the necklace since...that is until this spring, while standing at a bar on the Upper East Side discussing belt buckles with an insurance agent who in a previous life sold high-end jewelry. Mr. Insurance Man unfolded this story of a long-lost belt-buckle maker from the 1980s whom upon divorcing his deep-pocketed wife lost the financing to create his fabulous works of art to adorn the mid-sections of fashion lovers everywhere.

Who was this mysterious belt-buckle maker???

Intrigued, my friend and I of course took these mysterious belt-buckle matters to Google and discovered that Kieselstein Cord was the legend Mr. Insurance Man had proclaimed him to be. He did in fact make gorgeous, huge belt-buckles that are complete works of art that if authentic are sold second-hand for upwards of $400.

Upon closer inspection of these Google images we both realized we have seen alligator belt buckles before. My friend while scouring her mother's closet to borrow a belt and myself, in one of my very own necklaces. My friend's mom more than likely has the real deal - while upon closer inspection of the alligator in my portfolio photos, the finer details of the gold plated alligator on my necklace are no where similar enough to likely be an official Kieselstein Cord belt-buckle, however is more than likely the highest form of flattery for such a talented artist - a legit knock-off.

The proof is in the pudding folks - Jewelry does not have a THE END! Pieces don't often make their way back to me, unless for repair, but this pleasant and enlightening surprise, is such an add-on to this show-stopper of a necklace! I suppose I should add TO BE CONTINUED to my marketing now?? :-D